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Christopher Marlowe
Drama
Edward II
"The sight of London to my exiled eyes/ Is as Elysium to a new come soul" - comment.
These lines are taken from Act I sc. I of Marlowe's Edward II, a famous historical play of the Elizabethan period. These lines are spoken by Gaveston when he re-read the latter of Edward the Second, his close friend from early childhood. These lines are used to suggest the acute happiness of Gaveston after arriving at London.
The letter of Edward II makes Gaveston 'surfuit with delight', which means that he is extremely happy with the emotion expressed by the King. After many years of staying in France, when Gaveston returned to England, the sight of London to his eyes was as pleasurable or beautiful as the sight of heaven is to a soul when it teaches here for the first time. 'Elysium' is the classical name of paradise. Here London is compared to paradise and he himself is compared with 'a new come soul'. The sight of London is so beautiful to Gaveston neither for his love for the city not for his men but for his beloved one i.e. Edward II was born and brought up in this city.
Marlowe's poetic ability is well revealed here. Gaveston's strong emotions for Edward II is expressed as to him nothing is important except Edward II.
The letter of Edward II makes Gaveston 'surfuit with delight', which means that he is extremely happy with the emotion expressed by the King. After many years of staying in France, when Gaveston returned to England, the sight of London to his eyes was as pleasurable or beautiful as the sight of heaven is to a soul when it teaches here for the first time. 'Elysium' is the classical name of paradise. Here London is compared to paradise and he himself is compared with 'a new come soul'. The sight of London is so beautiful to Gaveston neither for his love for the city not for his men but for his beloved one i.e. Edward II was born and brought up in this city.
Marlowe's poetic ability is well revealed here. Gaveston's strong emotions for Edward II is expressed as to him nothing is important except Edward II.
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